Despite the wealth of information which exists concerning environmental behavior, it is not known which variable or variables appear to be most influential in motivating individuals to take responsible environmental action. A meta-analysis of environmental behavior research was undertaken in an attempt to determine this. An exhaustive search of the empirically based environmental behavior research conducted over the past decade yielded a substantial number of studies representative of a broad academic base. The characteristics and findings of these studies served as the data for the meta-analysis. As a result of the meta-analysis, the following variables were found to be associated with responsible environmental behavior: knowledge of issues, knowledge of action strategies, locus of control, attitudes, verbal commitment, and an individual's sense of responsibility. A model of predictors of environmental behavior is proposed.

Analysis and synthesis of research on responsible environmental behavior: A meta-analysis.

(1990). Changing Learner Behavior Through Environmental Education. The Journal of Environmental Education: Vol. 21, No. 3, pp. 8-21.

Changing Learner Behavior Through Environmental Education

This article illustrates how an attachment to a local natural resource can influence environmentally responsible behavior (ERB) in an individual's everyday life. Our study showed that 4 general (e.g., talking with others about environmental issues) and 3 specific (e.g., sorting recyclable trash) behavioral indicators reflected a single environmentally responsible latent construct. Following previous research, we operationalized place attachment using 2 concepts: (a) place dependence (i.e., a functional attachment) and (b) place identity (i.e., an emotional attachment). The influence of these two concepts on ERB was examined using a structural equation model. Data for this analysis were obtained from a survey of youth, 14-17 years of age (N = 182), who participated in local natural resource work programs. Results supported the predicted relationships. As hypothesized, place identity mediated the relationship between place dependence and responsible behavior. Place dependence influenced place ident...

Place Attachment and Environmentally Responsible Behavior

Most research on catch-and-release (C&R) in recreational fishing has been conducted from a disciplinary angle focusing on the biological sciences and the study of hooking mortality after release. This hampers understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of C&R. In the present synopsis, we develop an integrative perspective on C&R by drawing on historical, philosophical, socio-psychological, biological, and managerial insights and perspectives. Such a perspective is helpful for a variety of reasons, such as 1) improving the science supporting successful fisheries management and conservation, 2) facilitating dialogue between managers, anglers, and other stakeholders, 3) minimizing conflict potentials, and 4) paving the path toward sustainable recreational fisheries management. The present work highlights the array of cultural, institutional, psychological, and biological factors and dimensions involved in C&R. Progress toward successful treatment of C&R might be enhanced by acknowledging the complex...

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Understanding the Complexity of Catch-and-Release in Recreational Fishing: An Integrative Synthesis of Global Knowledge from Historical, Ethical, Social, and Biological Perspectives

(1980). Significant Life Experiences: A New Research Area in Environmental Education. The Journal of Environmental Education: Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 20-24.

Significant Life Experiences: A New Research Area in Environmental Education

(1980). Goals for Curriculum Development in Environmental Education. The Journal of Environmental Education: Vol. 11, No. 3, pp. 42-47.

Goals for Curriculum Development in Environmental Education

Teaching environmental education

A controversial proposal to adopt catch-and-release regulations for a section of the Au Sable River near Grayling, Michigan, provided an opportunity to study differences in management preferences and related characteristics between members of fishing organizations and nonmembers. Two fishing organizations were prominent among the Au Sable River sample of anglers, Trout Unlimited (TU, 43%) and the Fly Fishing Federation (FFF, 14%). However, only 1.8% of a statewide sample of stream trout anglers belonged to TU and 0.3% were members of FFF. Members were more specialized, had more fishing experience, and participated in trout (brown trout Salmo trutta, brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss) fishing more intensely and frequently than nonmembers. In addition, a higher percentage of members than nonmembers favored the proposed catch-and-release regulation and had supporting attitudes for special regulations. However, members and nonmembers were similar regarding motiv...

Values and behaviors of trout anglers, and their attitudes toward fishery management, relative to membership in fishing organizations: a Michigan case study.

Yes, EE Does Have Definition and Structure

A paradigm is proposed that would permit curriculum developers and others to specifically plan for training in environmental action as an integral and substantial component in this field. The three-part paradigm identifies and defines specific categories of action. It then identifies and illustrates the levels at which these actions can be taken. Finally, constraints that must he placed on action are posed as questions that should be answered before an action is taken. (RH)

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R. Ben Peyton

Papers

Goals for Curriculum Development in Environmental Education

Teaching environmental education

Values and behaviors of trout anglers, and their attitudes toward fishery management, relative to membership in fishing organizations: a Michigan case study.

Yes, EE Does Have Definition and Structure

A Paradigm of Environmental Action.